Guru Nanak's shrine to be rebuilt in Iraq

Baghdad, Dec 24: In a significant development, the Govt of Iraq has decided to rebuild the 15th century Sikh Guru Guru Nanak Dev's shrine which was destroyed in the 2003 war in Baghdad.

Iraqi Vice President and senior politician Adil Abd-al-Mahdi has said that the govt would rebuild the destroyed Guru Nanak Dev's shrine in Baghdad. He also thanked the Indian Spiritual Guru Sri Sri Ravishankar for taking up this issue with the Iraqi Government.

Iraqi Vice President and Sri Sri Ravishankar, who are on a peace mission to Iraq held talks to rebuild the 500 year old Sikh shrine. "It was a part of my mission and the Iraqi govt had agreed to rebuild the historical shrine." Sri Sri Ravishankar told to media persons. The Gurudwara was founded Mohamad Pasha Amoot, follower of Pir Bakol at the time of Guru Nanak's visit to Baghdad in the year 927 AH (1520-1A.D).

Guru Nanak Dev on his way back from Mecca and Madina visited Baghdad. He stayed outside the city of the west of Dajala (Tigris) River, about two kilometers north of Baghdad West railway station.

He held discourses with Sajjadanashins (caretaker of mausoleum) of the mausoleums of Abdul Qadir gilani and Bahlol the Wise, who were greatly impressed by his views on God and religion.
A memorial in the form of a platform was raised after Guru's departure, where the Guru sat and discoursed. Later room was constructed and a stone slab with inscription in Turki was installed on it.

ANI